Church Ministry Office

MINISTRY FORMATION AND ADULT EDUCATION

According to the American Bishops' reflections in Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium:

Through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist every Christian is called to participate actively and co-responsibly in the Church's mission of salvation in the world...Everyone has a responsibility to answer the call to mission and to develop the gifts she or he has been given by sharing them in the family, workplace, the civic community, and the parish or diocese. (P.15)

We urge that theological education and formation be extended to more lay persons... The Church needs a well-educated, inquiring, and vocal laity if the new evangelization is to achieve its full potential. (P.21)

Also, according to the revised Code of Canon Law, "Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly." #231, Revised Code of Canon Law

In light of this, the Diocese of Buffalo will continue to offer the courses, certificates, and degree programs which will help to insure a faithfulness to the Gospel and Catholic Tradition which underpins all ministry. An understanding of the following areas of theological formation is recommended for all ministers, especially in the ministries of:

Catechist, Director and Coordinator of Religious Education, Youth Minister, Pastoral Health Care Minister, Parish Business Administrator, Pastoral Associate and various Parish Volunteer Ministers.